A firm of international property consultants has been hired by Fife Council to manage its property assets.

Thomas and Adamson (T&A) will support the council's asset rationalisation strategy as part of its future financial planning.

The council said the appointment of Edinburgh-based T&A demonstrates its commitment to optimise efficiencies across its asset portfolio as it responds to the funding constraints of the current economic climate.

T&A's work will look at working practices, investment and disposals to deliver the best route forward for Fife Council. Part of the remit is to rationalise the corporate offices from 97 down to 37, and provide a strategy for the disposal.

Alastair Wallace, partner, said: "This is a great opportunity for us to deliver our experience and skills in such a visible way for the benefit of Fife Council and its people.

"The council is to be applauded for putting in place this rationalisation - ahead of the initiative proposed by HM Treasury encouraging councils to implement just such rationalisations."